5 Ways to Spark Happiness
Happiness, one of the few things that takes precedence over money when studies survey individuals about what they value most in life. Such a vague term that can mean different things depending on the individual, but we all know what it feels like without it. It’s globally recognized no matter the culture to be a truly valuable asset that can, at times, be surprisingly difficult to summon. So here are 5 ways to spark happiness.
Spark joy in others. Being social animals that we are, even the introverted of us feel good when we know we’ve positively impacted others. Staying present and genuinely listening to the next person we talk to can work wonders both to others and ourselves.
Take time to do nothing. In our fast-paced world, we can feel guilty not progressing, having a side hustle or not taking up 5 different hobbies. If you fall into this category, make sure you take a day at least once a month where you do absolutely nothing. Acknowledge it may feel uncomfortable at first and remind yourself this is important to recharge and get those happy vibes up.
Gratitude: Think of one thing you are grateful for, but don’t stop there, think WHY you’re grateful for it. Really flesh out how it brings you joy. It feels awkward at first if you haven’t done it before, even forced. But over time, something funny happens, you just notice moments of gratitude even when you haven’t consciously thought of it and that is enough to spark joy that lights up your whole life!
To notice such moments of gratitude or happiness, it can help to practice in meditation or mindfulness. One particular benefit it has that is often overlooked is developing the capacity to dictate our thoughts which can then dictate our emotions. In other words, we really can have control over our emotions! But it starts by being able to catch thoughts that don’t serve us in the first place. All it takes is to just sit and notice everything we experience for a few minutes daily to start revealing our unconscious thought patterns that we can control. As Carl Jung once said: “Until you make the unconscious conscious it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
Look after the body in a better way one step at a time. There are too many things we’re aware of that help improve our happiness that is just common sense. But common sense isn’t always common practice. Try just improving one aspect of your wellbeing every 3 months. Maybe start with sleep, going to bed on time for 3 days in a row, then 4 then 5 etc. Start small, finish big!
With so much Happiness for this COMMUNITY, MaryAnngeline